Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

[Michael H.]

I have a very original 68 with the original brake pads and bushings. I would like to upgrade the rear end bushings and brake pads to make it safer to drive. I am looking for someone to steer me to the right parts that would make it NCRS correct.
Thanks

[Terry B.]

Re: Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

Michael,

You must have a low mile car. Take lots of pictures before you replace anything. Is the rest of the car untouched too?

You will most likely will want to replace with stainless steel sleeved calipers. I believe some companies will restore your originals. Give CSSB a call. Here is their website. http://www.cssbinc.com/

Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

I have a very original 68 with the original brake pads and bushings. I would like to upgrade the rear end bushings and brake pads to make it safer to drive. I am looking for someone to steer me to the right parts that would make it NCRS correct.
Thanks

Michael------

Many of the bushings are still available from GM. These include the strut rod bushings, leaf spring bolt cushions, and trailing arm bushings. Crossmember cushions, snubber cushions, and most sway bar rubber parts will have to be sourced from reproduction sources. Most of the parts are fine. Dr. Rebuild is always great for rubber parts (and, lots of other things, too).

Use only OEM type rubber parts. Do not use urethane.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

Mileage?

Which "rear end bushings" might you replace?

And have your calipers ever been replaced or resleeved? If so, I doubt that they pads are still original.
If not, your original pads are likely better than anything available currently.
If you "have to" have new, ACDelco has two different part numbers available.

If your calipers are original, you can have them stainless steel sleeved AND they can do it without repainting them.

Again, if you're still on original brake pads etc then your car may be low enough mileage and good enough condition that I'd leave them alone.

[Michael H.]

Re: Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

Yes the rest of the car is untouched, 11,800 original one owner miles. The only part modified is the Tri-power was removed by the dealer in 1970 and replaced with an L-88 carb, intake and hood. which would lead me to my next question, should I return it to original? It runs fantastic, but doesn't stop so good. I did have the original calipers rebuilt and I am in the process of rebuilding the original master cylinder again. I have heard that no matter what the pads look like, after time they lose their integrity. I don't want to drive it alot, but it has been sitting long enough(over 30 years).

[Joe L.]

Re: Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

Yes the rest of the car is untouched, 11,800 original one owner miles. The only part modified is the Tri-power was removed by the dealer in 1970 and replaced with an L-88 carb, intake and hood. which would lead me to my next question, should I return it to original? It runs fantastic, but doesn't stop so good. I did have the original calipers rebuilt and I am in the process of rebuilding the original master cylinder again. I have heard that no matter what the pads look like, after time they lose their integrity. I don't want to drive it alot, but it has been sitting long enough(over 30 years).

Michael------

Were the pads saturated with brake fluid from leaking calipers? If so, you MIGHT be able to clean them by repeated cleanings with BrakeClean solvent. However, if they were saturated with brake fluid, my plan would be to replace them.

[Duke W.]

Re: Original 68 L-71 bushings and brake pads

With such low mileage the bushings are likely okay. Cracks around the ends that you can see are normal. Use a pry bar to check for deflection. Slight movement is normal with increasing pry bar force, but they should not be obviously loose.

If the spring link cushions are original they are compressed/hardened and should be replaced. These are what I consider normal replacement items about every 5 years regardless of mileage. Use the GM cushions.

Duke